10 November 2012

Spot the bodge job

Spot the bodge job. All four of 'em. Are you wondering what on earth I'm on about? OR, what planet childseat manufacturers are on when they doesn't design in bikelights or bike light fittings?

I just don't get it. Do they really think that we don't need lights on childseats? Or, more likely, that the only time we cycle with kids is on a Saturday afternoon ride to the park?

Here in Scotland, we need lights from October to April, just for 'normal' school/nursery/work runs. Tonight, I've been laid low with a virus, but the rest of the family is contemplating a dinner invite from dear friends (and a ogood cook). But it's a dark and rainy night and the route entails cycling through some of the dodgier bits of road in Edinburgh (Holyrood Park and the Cowgate, plus the Pubic Triangle Lothian Road). So, we are left with the following options: £9 for bus tickets, £8x2 for taxis, or bodge extra lights on. As you can see, we've opted for the latter.

But I still don't get what's going on in the manufacturer's heads. It's not just childseats. It's also tag-alongs and trailers, which are near impossible to light up. To their credit, Hamax made a light that went on the back of their seats, but when I tried to order one, I was told they'd been discontinued. Too little demand? I guess so. The other day, I was amused to find myself ranting to the most experienced bike campaigner I know, who seemed thoroughly surprised to hear that this was an issue. I guess it really is a minority concern.